Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Feigling | /ˈfaɪ̯klɪŋ/ (standard) /ˈfaɪ̯çlɪŋ/ |
masculine |
| Angsthase | colloquial, masculine | |
| Schisser | /ˈʃɪsɐ/ | masculine, slang |
| Schisserin | feminine | |
| Hosenscheißer | colloquial, masculine |
A coward is a person who lacks courage.
What does it mean word for word?
The colloquial term Angsthase is a compound of Angst (fear) and Hase (rabbit). The colloquial term Hosenscheißer literally translates to "pants pooper."
Which one should you use?
Feigling is the standard, neutral term for a coward. In contrast, Angsthase and Schisser are more colorful or derogatory. The term Memme is a colloquial and slightly stronger way of calling someone a coward.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Feigling is the standard term. For more colorful or informal options, you can use Angsthase or the informal term Weichei, which describes someone considered weak or lacking courage. The slang term Schisser is more insulting and vulgar than Feigling. Hosenscheißer is a colloquial option.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Feigling is Feiglinge. The plural form of Angsthase is Angsthasen.
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA for Feigling is /ˈfaɪ̯klɪŋ/.
Did you know?
- The word Feigling originates from the Old High German word for 'yellow'. In many cultures, including German, the colour yellow has been used as a symbol for cowardice or lack of spirit.
- In some contexts, Angsthase is used affectionately toward children, whereas Feigling is almost always a genuine insult.
- The suffix '-ling' in Feigling is often used in German to create nouns that denote a person with a specific, often negative, characteristic.
Examples in context
- Ich bin ein Feigling.I'm a coward.This sentence is useful for stating that you are a coward using Feigling.Tatoeba #1140553 by Esperantostern, translation #1122735 by Scott
- Du bist ein Feigling.You're a coward.This sentence is useful for telling someone they are a coward using Feigling.Tatoeba #2217905 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2207260 by Hybrid
- Du bist ein Feigling!You're a coward!This sentence is useful for exclaiming that someone is a coward using Feigling.Tatoeba #2281491 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2270627 by _undertoad
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are talking about a scary movie.
- LukasIch traue mich nicht, den Film allein zu sehen.I don't dare to watch the movie alone.
- JuliaWas? Du bist doch kein Feigling, Lukas!What? You're not a coward, Lukas!
- LukasDoch, in diesem Fall bin ich wohl einer.Yes, in this case I probably am one.
- JuliaKomm schon, wir schauen ihn einfach zusammen.Come on, let's just watch it together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “coward” translations and entries Feigling, Angsthase, Schisser, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Angsthase, Feigling, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
